The official blog for singer, writer, director and human rights advocate Aisha and her affiliated web sites.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Obama And Congress Claiming Ignorance On The Full Extent Of NSA Spying On Americans

Barack Obama

In separate interviews, U.S. President Barack Obama and Congress are
claiming ignorance on the full extent of the National Security Agency (NSA)
spying on Americans, which is illegal under American law. This incident
is a reminder of the phrase, "With great power comes
responsibility." The ability to spy on people can be easily
abused.

President Obama stated he does not believe abuses at the NSA were
intentional, but days later reports by the press, as confirmed by the
National Security Agency revealed some of the violations of Americans’
privacy were deliberate and calculated (such as NSA employees illegally
spying on their love interests, girlfriends and spouses and unlawfully
sharing surveillance data on Americans with other agencies such as the
FBI and DEA, among others).

Congress

U.S. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee claimed ignorance on behalf of
Congress as well stating, "Look, I appreciate efforts to keep
Americans secure. At the same time, this is getting out--this is in
front of us. We are not in front of it. And every day, there are
stories, as you just mentioned, that are leaked out. The American
people want to know that those of us who are elected, Eliot and I,
understand fully what's happening here. I don't think we do.

I would imagine there are even members of the Intelligence Committee
themselves that don't fully understand the gamut of things that are
taking place. It's our responsibility to know those things, to ensure
they're in balance. And I hope as soon as we get back, there will be a
full briefing from top to bottom so that can happen."